We visited Istanbul for a holiday from 3rd to 11th April 2024. These recordings were made whilst walking around the city, predominantly in the Fatih district, which includes the historic peninsula . We also visited Kadıköy & Büyükada. Recordings are made with a Zoom H6 recorder with the XYH-6 X/Y MIC.
All recordings made in public spaces.
Istanbul has an estimated population of 15.46 million and covers 5461 square km², compared to London’s population of 8.9 million and size of 1573 km². Considering its size and population, it’ve very easy to find peaceful quiet spaces. This episode includes street musicians, nature sounds, cafes and memories of life in the city.
The call to prayer (Adhan) is recited 5 times a day and so is a regular part of the soundscape of Istanbul. Our flight arrived in Istanbul early morning on the 3rd April, we arrived at our hotel around 5 in the morning, coincidentally Fajr, the first of the day happened just as we stepped out of our taxi. The street we stayed on was narrow, with high buildings, near several large mosques, causing the sound to reverberate, not dissimilar to being in a canyon. In other places, its a quiet background sound.
We were visiting during the last few days of Ramadan, including Eid, with a major public holiday the following three days (Bayram)
00 - 7.10 April 3rd
Arriving at our hotel, near küçükpazar, early morning call to prayer (Fajr) then Beyoğlu, near Galata bridge.
7.15 - 10.50 April 4th
Balat and Fena.
10.50 - 14.40 April 5th
Near küçükpazar, walking to Beyoğlu, then walking to Suleymaniye Mosque, Eminönü.
14.40 - 18.10 April 6th
Ferry to Kadıköy, then Fener in the evening, including drummer. His family have been drumming for generations, he collects money during Ramadan, wishing people happy holidays.
18.10 - 27.00 April 7th
Venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George, Fener. Street sounds Balat and Fener, including drummer.
27.00 - 31.00 April 8th
Early morning bakery in küçükpazar, then Büyükada, Princes' Islands.
32.00 - 53.42 April 9th
The last day of Ramadan, we spent the whole day around Sultanahmet, visiting the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), Hagia Sophia and sitting in the Sultan Ahmet park with 1000’s of people as they waited for the final Iftar meal of this Ramadan. It was really beautiful.
53.42 - 1.07.20 April 10th
Beyoğlu
1.07.20 - end April 11th
Early morning call to prayer from our hotel window, with Simit bakery in background, walking through the neighbourhood early morning and Basilica Cistern sounds.
There are a few bits of recognisable music being played from passing cars, restaurants etc.
27.15: Başkentli Resul - Sabir Ver
1.03: Aynur Doğan - Keçê Kurdan
These are just the ones I recognise, if you know more, please message.